IMO GOVERNMENT CARRIES OUT LAND CLAIMS SURVEY FOR PROPOSED MODULAR REFINERY PROJECT IN NEKEDE.

By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
17- NOV- 2025

The Imo State Government has officially begun a comprehensive land claims verification exercise in preparation for the development of a major Modular Refinery project within Owerri North Local Government Area. The initiative, led by the Office of the Surveyor General, represents a crucial step in the State’s broader industrialisation agenda and its commitment to harnessing local resources for economic expansion.

According to the public announcement issued by the Surveyor General of Imo State, Surv. Dr. Uzodinma Bob Odidika, the government has commenced the acquisition of approximately 30.6 hectares of land earmarked for operational activities of the Iheoma Marginal Field, situated in Umudibie and surrounding communities in Nekede. The claims survey began on Friday, November 14th, 2025, and is scheduled to run until Wednesday, November 19th, 2025.

The initiative seeks to verify all legitimate land and property owners within the designated area. Stakeholders, including local landholders, families, community representatives, and other interested parties, have been urged to present verifiable documents, landmarks, and supporting evidence to substantiate their ownership claims. The Office of the Surveyor General emphasized that no extension or alteration of dates would be entertained, underscoring the urgency and importance of the exercise.

This announcement aligns with earlier publications made by the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Physical Planning in the Nigerian Horn Newspaper on September 19th, 2025. Those publications invoked Sections 28 and 29 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which empower the government to acquire land for overriding public interest—particularly for projects of strategic economic value such as the proposed refinery.

The establishment of the Modular Refinery is expected to stimulate significant economic growth within the region, boosting job creation, attracting investment, and supporting the broader energy development objectives of the state. The project is also anticipated to enhance local processing capacity, thereby reducing dependence on external refining sources.

In a statement endorsing the claims verification process, the Office of the Governor—led by His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Odidika Uzodimma (CON, GSSRS)—reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to due process, citizen engagement, and seamless execution of all procedures relating to the land acquisition.

The state government reiterated that the claims survey is not only a legal requirement but also a transparent mechanism designed to ensure that rightful landowners are duly identified, compensated, and carried along in the developmental agenda.

As the exercise continues across the affected communities, residents are encouraged to cooperate fully with government officials, provide accurate documentation, and support the smooth implementation of a project set to reshape the economic landscape of Owerri North LGA and the state at large.

The Imo State Government, through the Surveyor General’s Office, assured the public that all verified claims will be thoroughly evaluated, and all processes will be conducted in accordance with statutory provisions and global best practices.